Medicaid Coverage and Care for the Homeless Population: Key Lessons to Consider for the 2014 Medicaid Expansion

Beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act ACA provides for a significant Medicaid expansion uninsured, low-income adults. Given their low incomes and high uninsured rate, individuals experiencing homelessness could significantly benefit from this expansion. However, it will be important to address the barriers they face to enrolling in coverage and accessing needed care. This report, based on eight focus group discussions with administrators and frontline workers serving the homeless population in four cities, identifies enrollment and access barriers, strategies to overcome these barriers, and considerations for the Medicaid expansion.